Mountain Plains Library Association Big Horizons Close Community

August 2019—September 2019 www.mpla.us Volume 64 Number 4

Greetings in the heat of summer! There are two big events on the horizon for MPLA so mark your calendars! October 30 – November 1 are the dates for the 2019 joint NMLA/MPLA Conference that will be held at the Hotel Albuquerque in Old Town and it’s getting closer by the day. The Conference Program Committee carefully reviewed the many great proposals that were submitted and chose a stellar program slate that will guarantee all who attend the conference a thoughtful, educational experience. Visit the MPLA website https://mpla.us for everything you need to know about making your travel plans. It’s going to be blast and I can’t wait to see you there.

The 2020 MPLA Leadership Institute application process has opened! The Institute will be held June 7- 12, 2020 at Yavapai College in Prescott, AZ. The deadline for Fellow applications is November 15, 2019 and |Mentor applications are due by October 15, 2019. MPLA welcomes Mark Puente, Director of Diversity and Leadership Programs at the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) as facilitator of the 12th MPLA Leadership Institute and it will be an incredible experience for those who attend. Visit the MPLA website for complete details. There are 30 slots available and it’s competitive so get started on your application today!

Until next time,

IN THIS ISSUE Conference Registration is LIVE! President's Message NMLA/MPLA Conference News NMLA/MPLA joint conference October 30-November 1 in Albuquerque, New Mexico: 2020 Leadership Institute Special Features https://nmla.wildapricot.org/event-3369417 Around the Region If you are a current MPLA member, choose the Welcome New Members NMLA membership option when you are MPLA Board and Staff registering. Members receive a significant discount! MPLA Quick Links

Arizona Colorado Kansas Montana Nebraska Nevada New Mexico North Dakota Oklahoma South Dakota Utah Wyoming https://nmla.wildapricot.org/Joint-NMLA/MPLA-Conference

The Mountain Plains & New Mexico Library Association Joint Conference pulls from 12 states and hosts the largest regional geography representation, pulling librarians, system administrators, and heads of state from Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Our region has experienced explosive population growth and unprecedented innovation in public service. See how libraries of all types are staying ahead of the curve!

Our Associations believe in equitable access to knowledge sharing and collegial growth, which is why this is the least expensive multi-day professional association conference in the nation. Reserve a room at the Hotel Albuquerque in Old Town from Tuesday, October 29th, attend a Wednesday pre-conference session ($30 1/2 day, $60 full day), attend conference Thursday & Friday (music! field trips! snacks!), and stick around scenic Old Town after checking out Saturday morning.

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Keynote Speaker Wanda Brown

From Wanda's campaign: "I will bring leadership experience, a voice to represent our profession in addressing current issues, and the determination to promote the importance of libraries as successful contributors to our society. As the professional organization representing America’s libraries, it is vital for ALA to demonstrate the importance of our role in a complex and dynamic world of information. Our strength lies in numbers. Let’s be a partner in a stronger future."

MPLA Newsletter 2 August 2019—September 2019 https://nmla.wildapricot.org/Joint-NMLA/MPLA-Conference

Pre-Conference Worskshops

2020 Census Workshop / Carmelita Aragon, New Mexico State Library Data Coordinator Wednesday, 9:00-12:00 in Alvarado B

A workshop to prepare libraries for the upcoming 2020 Census. Pricing: No charge; Sponsored by the New Mexico State Library

Adaptive Leadership - Progress is Yours for the Making / Robin Newell, Executive Director Emporia Public Library Wednesday, 9:00-12:00 in Alvarado C (limit 50)

Problems exist in our libraries and communities that require leadership. Anyone can be a leader. Leadership is a skill that can be learned. Adaptive leadership tools will allow you to grow as a leader. This preconference presents concepts and strategies taught in the MPLA Leadership Institute. Presenter Robin Newell is former fellow and mentor of the Leadership Institute. Robin has also attended the ALA Leadership Institute, the Nebraska Leadership Institute and the Kansas Leadership Center. She is currently the director of the Emporia Kansas Public Library. This MPLA Leadership Institute fundraiser will be facilitated by Robin Newell and Aubrey Madler will serve as host. (Academic, Public, School, Special) Pricing: $50; This workshop is a fundraiser and proceeds from registration for this workshop go to the MPLA Leadership Institute.

Project Outcome for Academic Libraries / Sara Goek and Dennis Davies-Wilson, coordinator/ moderator (ACRL) Wednesday, 1:00-4:00 in Alvarado C (limit 50)

In this interactive workshop, attendees will learn how to use the Project Outcome for Academic Libraries surveys and resources. Project Outcome is a free toolkit that helps libraries measure four key learning outcomes – knowledge, confidence, application, and awareness – across seven library program and service areas. The survey topics cover: Instruction, Events/Programs, Research, Teaching Support, Digital & Special Collections, Space, and Library Technology. Project Outcome provides academic libraries of any size the means to easily measure outcomes in those areas and to use that data as the basis for continuous improvements and advocacy.

Prior to the workshop we recommend that participants register for Project Outcome, review basic materials in the toolkit, and consider a goal for outcome measurement at their library. Attendees may wish to bring a laptop or tablet to use during the session.(Academic) Pricing: No charge; Sponsored by the ACRL and arrangements made by NMCAL.

MPLA Newsletter 3 August 2019—September 2019 Legal Links and Lessons for All / Dan Cordova and Stephanie Wilson New Mexico Supreme Court Library Wednesday, 1:00-4:00 in Alvarado B

We are subject to rule of law, but access to that law is far from equal or universal. The official version of current New Mexico statutes is now born- electronic; official versions of historical New Mexico laws exist only in print. State administrative codes and appellate opinions from the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals are available in various formats, but are not entirely accessible in any one place. Corresponding finding aids are even harder to locate, to say nothing of procedural and analytical guidance.

What is a to do when confronted with a legitimate legal research and reference question? In a state as large as ours, with connectivity challenges in rural areas, and increasing costs for legal materials, equal access to justice must be collaborative. Specifically, government law librarians should be cooperating with other public facing librarians to enhance statewide assistance. This program contributes to that conversation. (Academic, Public, School, Special) Pricing: $50

Maximize Your Potential through Community Engagement / Eli Guinnee, Margo Gustina, and Dale Savage (New Mexico State Library) Wednesday, 9:00– 4:00 in Potter’s

This hands-on workshop will share tools for engaging with your community and how to turn community conversations into an impactful strategic plan.

Turn community engagement tools into useful data you can use to build new capacities and maximize your library’s impact! Plan from potential! Build effective long term partnerships! (Academic, Public, School, Special) Pricing: $75

Bringing Stories to Life: A Storytelling Workshop for Children and Youth Librarians / Deanne Dekle, Bob Kanegis, and Liz Mangual New Mexico State Library Wednesday, 9:00–4:00 in Alvarado A

Get ready for Summer Reading 2020, Imagine Your Story, with storytellers Bob and Liz! There is NO one RIGHT way to tell a story. But there may be a right way for YOU to tell a story. Learn how to enliven stories by calling on your unique voice, personality, and life experience. Explore perspectives and techniques that will hone your ‘Story Sensibilities’ and turn what could be dry texts into truly ‘Tellable Tales.‘ We will also demonstrate non-threatening ways to take what you learn so that you can encourage and guide families to create a culture of reading and storytelling at home. Totally interactive workshop with approximately 10% lecture, 25% demonstration, with balance of time spent practicing with feedback, in a fun and supportive environment. Leave with increased confidence in ability to find, craft, and tell stories, and to adapt storytelling skills to support family literacy. (Public) Pricing: No charge; Sponsored by the New Mexico State Library

MPLA Newsletter 4 August 2019—September 2019 9 Downtown Prescott, AZ. Photo credit- prescotthouse.com

MPLA 2020 Leadership Institute June 7 – 12, 2020; Yavapai College, Prescott, AZ Apply now!

Mentor Deadline: October 15, 2019 Fellow Deadline: November 15, 2019

Where will your library career be in another five years? If you see yourself as a leader on the job or within your library association, then this institute will help you to hone the necessary set of skills and increase your insight to leadership aspects from any level.

For the 12th MPLA Leadership Institute, we welcome Mark Puente, Director of Diversity and Leadership Programs at the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). We also offer this invaluable experience at a new location: Yavapai College, Prescott, AZ campus.

Go to https://mpla.us/quick-links/leadership-institute.html to access more information and application forms.

Direct your questions to Aubrey Madler: [email protected]

MPLA Newsletter 5 August 2019—September 2019 Minot Public Library Eliminates Fines for Child The mission of the Minot Public Library is to connect, enrich and inspire. To that end, the staff and Board of the Library believe library services are particularly essential to the youth of the Minot community. Therefore, the Minot Public Library Board has decided that effective July 1, 2019, children will no longer accrue fines for overdue materials.

“We do not believe children should be restricted from using Library services because of situations they can’t always control,” said Library Board Vice President Kari Kvigne. Kvigne went on to explain children are not usually responsible for getting themselves to the Library to return items, yet they are then unable to check out materials.

Children’s Librarian, Paulette Nelson, said “We would rather have the Minot youth use the Library and get our materials back late than to hear youth are not coming to the Library because of fines.” Nelson clarified lost or damaged materials will still need to be paid for and staff will continue to follow current procedures for collecting long-overdue items. “This isn’t about removing accountability,” Nelson said. “The point of allowing children to be exempt from overdue fines is to remove barriers.”

On January 28, 2019, the American Library Association passed a resolution encouraging all libraries to explore eliminating monetary fines. The ALA passed this resolution because research has shown that fines are a form of social inequity and negatively impact many who most need to use library services.

Minot Public Library’s Director, Janet Anderson, added that processing fines also takes a considerable amount of staff time, but the ultimate goal of eliminating fines for youth is to welcome people back to the Library. “We can’t fulfill our mission if people are avoiding the Library because they have $20 in fines for books they didn’t return in second grade,” Anderson said. “It’s a disservice to the young people of Minot and also bad public relations.”

When asked if this elimination of fines might be expanded, Anderson said it is a possibility. “My priority with eliminating fines for children is to make sure area youth can use the Library, but I understand there are other vulnerable populations who may struggle with this barrier,” she said. The Minot Public Library staff and Board will continue to consider other ways to eliminate barriers and hope to have more “Fine Forgiveness” programs such as the food drive they did in April.

Youth under the age of 17 need to have a parent or guardian sign their library card application and the adult will also be issued a library card if he/she doesn’t have one. Youth library cards at the Minot Public Library will be fine-free beginning July 1st and Library staff encourage all youth to stop by the Library with their parent or guardian to get a new library card or renew an existing library card. “Existing cardholders will automatically be updated, but it’s always good to make sure we have current information,” Anderson explained. “It’s the perfect time to return all of those overdue books you haven’t wanted to drop off,” she said.

Nelson summed up the reason she believes this is a good move: “We see a lot of kids during the summer; we know how much reading and test scores drop off during these long months when school is out, so whatever we can do to get books into the hands of more kids is a good move!” Nelson also said children are always welcome to stop in the Library and attend programs even if they don’t have library cards, however those who are 8 and younger must be accompanied by an adult as outlined by the ND Department of Human Services. For more information on library cards, fines, youth programs or anything else, call the Minot Public Library at (701) 852-1045.

MPLA Newsletter 6 August 2019—September 2019 The Utah Library Association receives the 2019 Gerald Hodges Intellectual Freedom Chapter Relations Award

The Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) of the American Library Association (ALA) announces that the Utah Library Association is the 2019 recipient of the Gerald Hodges Intellectual Freedom Chapter Relations Award.

The Utah Library Association (ULA) took the lead in building a coalition of partners and creating a media campaign to reinstate access to EBSCO databases for more than 650,000 students after the Utah Education Network (UEN) blocked access over complaints that EBSCO databases contained pornographic content. ULA’s rapid response and coalition building resulted in the reinstatement of access to EBSCO databases for students across Utah.

The award was presented at ALA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. at the IFRT Awards Recognition and Fundraiser Breakfast featuring Sanford Ungar, director of the Free Speech Project at Georgetown University, on Saturday, June 22, 2019 from 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.

The Hodges Award recognizes an organization that has developed a strong multi-year, ongoing program or a single, one year project that exemplifies support for intellectual freedom, patron confidentiality, and anti-censorship efforts. The award is named after Gerald Hodges, an ALA staff member from 1989 to 2006. Chapter relations and intellectual freedom were his passions and he willed a portion of his estate to support those efforts. The award consists of $1,000 and a citation and has been given since 2013.

Members of the Coalition Building Committee are: Chair Shenise McGhee, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; Jordon Andrade; Brian Greene, Wyoming State Library; Heather Hopkins; Sarah Houghton, California Digital Library; Isabel Klein, Cuyahoga County Public Library; and Michael Oetting, Hinsdale Public Library.

The Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) provides a forum for the discussion of activities, programs and problems in intellectual freedom of libraries and librarians; serves as a channel of communications on intellectual freedom matters; promotes a greater opportunity for involvement among the members of the ALA in defense of intellectual freedom; promotes a greater feeling of responsibility in the implementation of ALA policies on intellectual freedom.

Press Release from ALA.org website

YES!fest happening in September in High Plains Library District in CO

What do you do when a community conversation about engineering programs for kids turns into a recommendation to host a large event? You hold the event!

This September, the High Plains Library District will be hosting YES!fest (Youth Engineering and Science Festival) to highlight possible careers in engineering and the sciences for youth and their families. Booths from over 22 organizations that include conservation, corporation, and educational focuses will host hands-on activities and conversations about what it takes to prepare for jobs in their industries.

This event is possible thanks to the District participating in a National Science Foundation funded project led by the Space Science Institute's National Center for Interactive Learning, the University of Virginia, and the American Society of Civil Engineers program focused on introducing children to engineering. Want to see more? Check http://mylibrary.us/yesfest.

MPLA Newsletter 7 August 2019—September 2019 Professional Development Grants

Grants are awarded to support the following: • Formal course work leading to an advanced degree in or a related discipline. • Formal course work not leading to an advanced degree but directly related to an individual's library position. • Attendance as a participant or a presenter at a library or scholarly workshop, seminar, or conference, including the MPLA annual conference. • Visits to another library to receive or provide significant advanced training in library services or procedures. • Library related research projects.

Value of Grants Annual budget equals the funding for grants approved but not yet awarded from the previous year plus the funding awarded for grants in the coming year. Funding for grants that have been approved but are not awarded is returned to the MPLA general fund.

MPLA sponsors the two categories of grants:

Mini-grant Funding for projects requiring minimal financial support. (Maximum amount: $150) Regular grant Funding for projects requiring substantial financial support, and for occasional funding of professional development opportunities requiring travel outside the United States. (Maximum amount: $600)

Grant Funding • Reimbursement of actual expenses incurred during a project. • Transportation reimbursement for the lowest possible fare or for personal vehicles, mileage for the shortest route at the amount per mile allowed for deduction for federal income tax deductions. • Grant funding for course work limited to tuition, fees and books. • Funding approved but not needed to reimburse expenses is returned to the MPLA general fund. • Expenses in excess of the grant funding approved are not reimbursed.

Find out more: https://mpla.us/about/professional-development-grants.html

Professional Development Calendar Robin Newell Professional Development, Chair Individual Grant Applica- Committee Meeting Date Emporia Public Library tion Deadline E: [email protected]

25 September 2019 02 October 2019 Judy Zelenski Executive Secretary 27 November 2019 04 December 2019 Lakewood, Colorado 80228 E: [email protected]

MPLA Newsletter 8 August 2019—September 2019 Grocery Rewards Update

King Soopers/Kroger Community Awards Program There is a change in the King Soopers/Kroger rebate program which is effective this month. There are no longer grocery gift cards linked to MPLA. Instead, you can link your loyalty card to our MPLA Community Awards Program account.

To do so: Go to http://www.kingsoopers.com

Once logged into your King Soopers/Kroger account, search for Mountain Plains Library Association by name or our account: KK820. Then click Enroll. New users will need to create an account which requires some basic information, a valid email address and a loyalty card. If you previously purchased grocery cards they may still be used and reloaded but they will no longer provide rebates for MPLA. Instead, there is a quarterly designated funding amount which is shared by all Community Rewards organizations. Amounts are determined by the percentage of purchases by each organization.

If you are in an area with Kroger stores this is an easy way to support MPLA!

MPLA Newsletter 9 August 2019—September 2019

Arizona represented at ALA Moving Forward with No Fines The Maricopa County Library District, located in the Arizona was well represented at the American Phoenix area, eliminated overdue fines for all Library Association Annual Conference in materials in May. Library Director Cindy Washington, DC, June 20-25. Longtime MPLA Kolaczynski proposed the change as a way to member Dan Stanton was part of a well-received improve access to library services, especially for low panel presentation, “Citizen Science in Libraries: -income residents and young people. Read more Strange Bedfellows or Dream Dates?” Other about the change at AZ Central. panelists included Robin Salthouse from the Maricopa County Library District, and colleagues https://mcldaz.org/custom/news/pressreleases/2019 from North Carolina and Pennsylvania. -05-22- MarciopaCountyEliminatesOverdueLi- Jason Macoviak, the manager of Bisbee’s Copper braryFines.aspx Queen Library, was awarded the EBSCO Excellence in Rural Library Service Award at the conference, and Judi Morreillon accepted the Scholastic Library Publishing Award. Hand on Learning: Geology

The Earth comes alive for those willing to learn about geology. The Clifton Public Library, in Clifton, AZ is anticipating the return of its popular geology class, but this time for adults. The project is one of many, thanks to the support of the Arizona State Library and federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

“The programming is part of a grant from the Arizona State Library and the Library Science and Technology Act called ‘Heading to the Greenlee County Hills,’ ” Greenlee County Librarian Karen Soohy said. “The grant provides backpacks filled with items for rock hounding, stargazing, birdwatching and geocaching that can be checked out by patrons. Getting families to explore the outdoors together was the main focus of the grant.”

Jason Macoviak with his award

MPLA Newsletter 10 August 2019—September 2019

Birdwatching in Colorado

Thanks to this year’s Colorado State Library grant, the Alamosa Public Library, Alamosa, CO, has created an adventure backpack for children. The Library’s ‘Bird Watching Backpack’ is perfect for children to take on walks, explore on other outdoor vacation adventures, or to use right in their own backyards.

The backpack contains binoculars, bird watching notebook, Alamosa bird list and trails map, coloring book and crayons, and other surprises. There are bird watching DVDs and books that can be checked out at the Library to go with the Bird Watching Backpack. Alamosa Public Library patrons can check out the backpack with a library card for up to seven days.

Library Lost and Found

While it isn't too unusual for library staff to find money lost in the library, staff at the Pine River Public Library in Bayfield, CO were shocked to find thousands of dollars left behind. Happily, the person who lost the money, Davide Faggioli of Bologna, Italy, was reunited with his funds. For the full story, follow this link to the Pine River Times.

American Alpine Club Library of Colorado

"I had no idea this place was here!" is a common phrase we hear in the American Alpine Club Library, located in downtown Golden. The AAC Library started in 1916 when it was deposited in the New York Public Library. It resided there for the next decade and then moved to various locations around New York City until resting in an old firehouse for 50 years. In the early 1990s, the American Alpine Club and its phenomenal library moved West. The American Alpine Club with the Colorado Mountain Club purchased the old Golden High School and moved in. Today the building is called the American Mountaineering Center and is home to many outdoor organizations including the AAC, CMC, Outward Bound, Big City Mountaineers, the Colorado Trail Foundation, the Continental Divide Trail Coalition, and the American Mountaineering Museum.

The AAC Library holds over 50,000 books, films and maps, of which 22,000 items circulate. The Central Asia Library contains over 35,000 items alone. We are primarily a research library, but AAC members can check out books, maps and films. Our archived holdings include thousands of film negatives and photographic prints as well as many manuscript collections and a large artifact collection, part of which is on display in the American Mountaineering Museum. We also maintain the Colorado Mountain Club Archives, which is home to many of Colorado's 14,000-foot mountain summit registers and many peaks under 14,000-feet. Though it has not been measured, it is very likely the largest mountaineering library in the world. The most common users of the collection are climbers and hikers. Researchers include climate scientists, geologists, Himalaya scholars, and folks looking for their names in the 14’er Summit Registers.

MPLA Newsletter 11 August 2019—September 2019

Kansas Notable Books

Topeka, KS – State Librarian Eric Norris announced the 14th annual selection of Kansas Notable Books. The fifteen books feature quality titles with wide public appeal, either written by a Kansan or about a Kansas-related topic.

“I am proud to present the 2019 Kansas Notable Book list. Choosing only 15 books is no easy task,” said Eric Norris, State Librarian. “The selection committee began with a pool of nearly 100 submitted titles and worked diligently to identify the year’s best works by Kansas authors and illustrators, as well as those works that highlight our history and heritage. Kansans are encouraged to visit their local public library and celebrate the artists and the artistry of Kansas.”

Kansas Notable Books is a project of the Kansas Center for the Book, a program of the State Library. The Kansas Center for the Book is a state affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. Throughout the award year, the State Library promotes and encourages the promotion of all titles on this year's list at literary events, and among l ibrarians and booksellers.

An awards ceremony will be held at the Kansas Book Festival, Saturday, September 14, 2019, at the State Capitol, to recognize the talented Notable Book authors. The public is invited.

For more information about Kansas Notable Books, call 785-296-3296, visit kslib.info/notablebooks or email [email protected] . https://kslibassoc.org/KLA_Conference_2019

MPLA Newsletter 12 August 2019—September 2019

2019 Excellent Library Service Award

The Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton, MT received the 2019 Excellent Library Service Award (ELSA) from the Montana State Library Commission at the 107th annual Montana Library Association in April.

“The Bitterroot Public Library staff, volunteers and trustees are honored to accept this award,” said Brittany McKenzie, Bitterroot Public Library's board chair. “This past year, we increased the hours we are open to the public, refreshed the children's area with a new look, updated our lighting with energy efficient fixtures that improve the user experience, added additional patron seating, purchased new computers for patrons to use, increased our print and media collections and hosted numerous events and activities for the public to learn from and enjoy. We are proud of our library, the services we provide and our place in the community. We look forward to serving the Bitterroot Valley for many years.”

Bitterroot Public Library Director Mark Wetherington appreciated the recognition.

“Receiving the Excellent Library Service Award is gratifying and provides important recognition that as librarians we are working toward and meeting the highest standards set by the Montana State Library through our service to the community,” he said. “Providing the quality of service we do is only possible because of the dedication of staff, volunteers and our library board, as well as our library users and the feedback and suggestions they provide to let us know what we can do to better serve them. We hope to continue to improve and expand our outreach and impact on the community in the coming years.”

Forty-four libraries received the ELSA in 2019. There are over 100 public libraries in Montana.

For more information on the Excellent Library Service Award, visit http://libraries.msl.mt.gov/ library_development/standards/excellent_library_service_award

or contact Tracy Cook at 406-444-9816 or [email protected].

MPLA Newsletter 13 August 2019—September 2019

Learning a Sense of Self-Reliance Remodel for the Future

The Kearney Public Library, Kearney, NE hosted The Grand Island Library in Grand Island, NE is Miss V, The Gypsy Cowbelle who looks backward taking shape with its new remodel and folks in the through time to help her audience find a sense of area had the chance to get a first hand look during self-reliance. “It’s how we gain confidence in an open house in April. ourselves, by having experiences,” Miss V said. “We don’t really learn when things just go right. We learn The renovations include a digital lab and several when things don’t go right.” study rooms. Library director, Steve Fossleman, said they are proud they were able to do all of this Miss V currently lives in Thermopolis, Wyo. She without using any tax money. lived for 15 years on a remote ranch in the Cowboy state where she learned a homesteading ethic. “I "All the improvements that we made, everything try to encourage the homesteader mindset, which is people are enjoying...we were able to do this basic problem solving on an individual level,” she without any tax money. We've had a lot of donations said during an interview while taking a day off from and the Grand Island Public Library Foundation is her tour. “In this day and age, we’re so conditioned actually still doing some fundraising, so we can do to always look elsewhere for help on every level. some extras: some audio visuals, different ways to People lose track of doing things for themselves.” improve our area meeting rooms, and different tools to bring into our maker-space," said Fossleman. Miss V understands that children and adults often have the ability to solve problems — but just need Fossleman added that the library’s a new teen area some encouragement to try. Miss V shared some of will give them more room for collaboration. her homesteader insights: Introduction to He hopes they will be finished with a new outdoor Leatherwork, Homespun Instruments, Genuine children's area by this summer. Cowbilly Music, and Genuine Cowbilly Music at the https://nebraska.tv/news/local/open-house-for-the- Gothenburg Public Library, Gothenburg, KS. remodel-of-the-grand-island-library

“I’ve had a homesteader bent throughout my career as a performer,” Miss V said. “With the whole idea of making instruments out of what you can, with Nebraska Children’s Book Awards whatever is on hand and entertaining yourself, that is germane to the idea of the immigrant trails.” The winners of Nebraska children’s book awards,

Golden Sower, were announced. “The way that homesteaders led their lives, they used ingenuity to solve their own problems,” she Picture book: “Madeline Finn and the Library Dog” said. “When you look back at everything, at all of the by Lisa Papp things that people have invented and how we settled the West — my gosh, we have so many Chapter book: “Maxi's Secrets (Or, What You Can resources. We’re so clever in so many ways. In- Learn From a Dog)” by Lynn Plourde deed, the modern world has steered us so far away from that. So it is a great thing to foster youth, and Golden Sower Novel Winner: “Scythe” by Neil everyone else, too.” Shusterman

MPLA Newsletter 14 August 2019—September 2019 New Director at the DeLaMare Library

Maria C Duque-Rueda MPLA Leadership Institute Alumni 2018 DeLaMare Science and Engineering Library University of Nevada Reno Local Author Night On June 1, Tara Radniecki became the new Douglas County Public Library in Minden, Nevada, Director of the DeLaMare Library! As a fellow hosted a local author night on May 14. Authors coworker I wanted to share the news with the MPLA included Amanda Dykes; Mike White; Sandie La community. I had a few questions that she Nae; Karen Dustman; Ron Walker; Jay enthusiastically answered: Crowley; David and Gayle Woodruff; M.C. Behm; and Lin Wilder. What is your past experience and how long have you been with UNR University Libraries? I started my career in 2009 at Loyola University Chicago as a dual electronic resources and reference librarian, managing our databases and liaising to the life science and nursing departments. After three and a half years in Chicago I decided to try out west coast living and took a position as the emerging technologies librarian at Loyola Mary- mount University. I then moved to the mountains where I have found my home at the University of Nevada, Reno where I have been the engineering librarian for the past five years.

Amanda Dykes, who recently published “Whose What future technologies do you foresee Waves These Are” with Bethany House, is more implemented in Academic Libraries and most than the usual local author; she is a regular patron importantly, in the DeLaMare Library in the future? at the library. Amanda grew up in the Carson Valley, The more I work with cutting edge technologies in utilizing the library from the time she was small. She libraries, the more I think it's less about the actual even met her husband as a child at the library’s technologies and more about ways we can meet our story time. Now Amanda uses the same library for users where they are and walk with them down the research, Interlibrary Loan, and writing time while path as collaborators. In the STEM disciplines, but her own children are attending library programs. increasingly in others as well, this usually involves technology. I think data management, analysis, and Minden is a rural community located 45 miles south visualization will continue to be areas of growth for of Reno, Nevada. There are so many authors in the academic libraries and DeLaMare in particular. I region that the library hosts two author events each also think the makerspace will continue to look for year to give the local community the opportunity to new ways to become more integrated into the can meet the authors in a personal manner. curriculum in order for disciplines other than engineering to experience the unique opportunities for hands-on learning that fabrication can provide. While not technology related, I also see the libraries continuing to champion Open Access through education and providing access and development opportunities.

What would you like to see happening in DeLaMare in the next five years? I would love to see DeLaMare Library continue to have the same strong sense of community among its users. This is truly a unique place where stu- dents, researchers, and library staff communicate and collaborate regularly and I want to make sure whatever changes are made only continue to support that atmosphere.

MPLA Newsletter 15 August 2019—September 2019

“La Pinta Art & Poetry: From the Penitentiary of New Mexico”: A Group Art Exhibition at the Santa Fe Public Library by Deanne Dekle

Recently, the Santa Fe Public Library and the library at the Penitentiary of New Mexico have created a partnership in collaborative programming with a focus on reentry services for inmates upon release. One of the programs to come out of this collaboration is the PNM Art and Poetry inmate exhibition at the Santa Fe Public Library’s Main downtown branch. Artworks and poems by inmates will be on display from now until July 31, 2019, in the upstairs gallery of the library.

To bring this exhibition inside for the inmates, PNM Prison Librarian Roseanna Andrade placed photographs in the prison library so that the participants and the PNM community could see the artworks and poems as viewed by the Santa Fe community at the public library. In this way, the exhibit is enjoyed simultaneously by both communities.

The exhibit features Native American Artists Isaac Lee (Navajo) and Albert Medina (Zia Pueblo). Trio and My Relations are by Isaac Lee, and Thunder and Janis Joplin are by Albert Medina.

Mr. Brian Dobry, who works as a library clerk at PNM library, contributed a poem titled Hatch Chilies to the exhibit. Mr. Dobry will be released in June and has said that one of the first things he wants to do is to visit the public library to view the exhibition in person. Mr. Dobry has had the unique experience of working in both a public library (he worked for 11 years at the City of Jacksonville Florida Public Library) and the prison library at PNM. When asked how the collaborative programming between the Santa Fe Public Library and the PNM Library benefits the inmate population, he indicated that it can help reduce stress by giving inmates the opportunity to express themselves, helping to ease the transition of reentry, and an opportunity to feel appreciated by the wider community. When asked how this type of programming could benefit the Santa Fe community, he said that the community would benefit from the inmate feeling connected and invested as a potential member of that community.

By recognizing the importance of this type of collaborative programming, the Santa Fe Public Library will help to welcome Mr. Dobry and others with reentry into the community. http://hitchhiker.nmstatelibrary.org/la-pinta-art-poetry-from-the-penitentiary-of-new-mexico-a-group-art- exhibition-at-the-santa-fe-public-library/

MPLA Newsletter 16 August 2019—September 2019 https://nmla.wildapricot.org/Joint-NMLA/MPLA-Conference

Belen Public Library Receives Funding to Provide Digital Skills Training by Deanne Dekle

The American Library Association announced the Belen Public Library has been selected to participate in Libraries Lead with Digital Skills, an initiative of ALA and the Public Library Association, sponsored by Grow With Google, the tech company’s economic opportunity initiative.

The Belen Public Library will use the $1,000 in funding to enhance its Computer Learning Lab, created with support from a Facebook Community Action Grant. In addition to basic computer skills and professional development opportunities, the Libraries Lead with Digital Skills initiative will help the Belen Public Library provide online materials to help with career development tools like resume writing, business planning, and marketing skills.

For more details and the full story click http://www.news-bulletin.com/news/belen-public-library-receives- funding-to-provide-digital-skills-training/article_0db2c450-87b8-11e9-865d-63d4437eaff2.html.

MPLA Newsletter 17 August 2019—September 2019

Rocks from Outer Space New Mascot for Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library On Friday, June 7, at Leach Public Library in Whapeton, ND, patrons young and old came to The Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library has examine rocks from outer space. There were six welcomed its very first library mascot! His name is lunar samples displayed as well as six meteorite Booker, and he is a lion who samples. North Dakota State Librarian Mary Souci loves to read. Booker wowed and BreAnne Meier, marketing specialist with the the crowd at the Band Night North Dakota State Library, brought samples of Parade and joined the kids for meteorites and moon rocks loaned to them by the some photo ops at the National Air and Space Administration. Summer Reading Celebration in May. We are excited to The meteorite samples were found all over the have Booker with us at the world – in Africa, Antarctica, Mexico and even Library, and we are looking Kansas, here in the U.S. The lunar samples forward to seeing his limbo included soil gathered on the Apollo 15, 16 and 17 skills at the End-of-Summer- missions, according to Meier. The samples were Reading Ice Cream Social in gathered from different parts of the moon. July.

Rachel Kercher, children’s librarian at Leach Public Grand Forks Public Library Recognized for Library, was responsible for having the tour visit the Marketing efforts at ALA Conference library. According to Kercher, this summer’s reading program theme is “Universe of Stories” in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 The annual PR Xchange Awards Competition moonwalk. recognizes the very best public relations materials produced by libraries in the past year. This year’s “When I was told that the state library was getting competition awarded and recognized original moon rocks in and that they could bring them offer materials produced during the 2018 calendar them to libraries, I jumped on it because I just year. The Grand Forks Public was honored to thought it would be really cool for kids to see and receive two awards this year at the ALA Conference learn about,” she said. in Washington, DC, the first in External Communications and a second in Special Events and Exhibits. Library Director Wendy Wendt, a past President of MPLA, and Information Services Director Arnessa Dowell received the awards on behalf of the library!

Photo by: Katie Betz - Daily News Intern

MPLA Newsletter 18 August 2019—September 2019

Smithsonian brings Water/Ways exhibit

Norman Public Library East, in cooperation with Oklahoma Humanities, will examine water as an environmental necessity and an important cultural element as it hosts “Water/Ways,” a traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street (MoMS) program.

The exhibit will appear at the library for a six-week run from June 29 through August 18, with the library also presenting multiple programs and activities related to the exhibit during that time.

The library is the first Oklahoma location to host the exhibit and one of five sites chosen by Oklahoma Humanities to host “Water/Ways” as part of the Museum on Main Street program — a national/state/local partnership to bring exhibitions and programs to rural cultural organizations.

“Water is a vital part of everyone’s life and we are excited to explore what it means culturally, socially and spiritually in our own community,” said Kelly Sitzman, Branch Manager at Norman Public Library East.

“Water is an important topic in Norman – especially on the east side of our city – and the library serves as a community meeting place to convene these conversations. We have teamed up with local environmental experts to develop interactive programs that complement the Smithsonian exhibit and support PLS’s mission of inspiring innovation, engagement and learning in our communities.”

“Water/Ways” explores the endless motion of the water cycle, water’s effect on landscape, settlement and migration, and its impact on culture and spirituality. It looks at how political and economic planning have long been affected by access to water and control of water resources. Human creativity and resourcefulness provide new ways of protecting water resources and renewing respect for the natural environment.

Designed for small-town museums, libraries and cultural organizations, “Water/Ways” will serve as a community meeting place to convene conversations about water’s impact on American culture. With the support and guidance of state humanities councils, these towns will develop complementary exhibits, host public programs, and facilitate educational initiatives to raise people’s understanding about what water means culturally, socially and spiritually in their own community.

The exhibit also helps mark the first anniversary for Norman East, which opened its doors in July of 2018. It fits as a program for a library that is located amidst native grasslands and the rolling hills on the east side of Norman in its look at the resources of nature in a setting that celebrates the land.

“Water/Ways” was inspired by an exhibition organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (www.amnh.org), and the Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul (www.smm.org), in collaboration with Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland; The Field Museum, Chicago; Instituto Sangari, Sao Paulo, Brazil; National Museum of Australia, Canberra; Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Canada; San Diego Natural History Museum; and Science Centre Singapore with PUB Singapore.

The exhibition is part of Museum on Main Street, a unique collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), state humanities councils across the nation, and local host institutions. To learn more about “Water/Ways” and other Museum on Main Street exhibitions, visit www.museumonmainstreet.org.

Find out more about any of the library’s programs and services during its Summer Learning Program by calling 217-0770 or going online to pioneerlibrarysystem.org/norman-east.

MPLA Newsletter 19 August 2019—September 2019

Library is on the Move! NASA @ My Library

Faulk County Library in Faulkton, SD is on the NASA@ My Library is a national earth and space move. No, really! We are moving our library just a science initiative that connects NASA, public half block away from where we are now nestled. libraries and their communities. Professional movers will be undertaking the heavy items: the copier, tables, books, shelving, chairs, The South Dakota State Library (SDSL) is excited to desks, and the printers. The staff and volunteers will be one of fourteen state library agencies selected haul over to the new library the computers and fun for cohort 2 of NASA @ My Library, a nationwide things such as the plants, the fire extinguishers, and science-technology initiative by the STAR Library decorative items. The community has been so Network (STAR Net) launched in 2018. supportive, inquisitive and understanding of this long and detailed process. The plan is to make the SDSL received resources, training and support major move the second week in July. We will have a through NASA @ My Library, a STEM education modified kids’ summer reading program with the initiative that will increase and enhance STEM children reading what they want and just counting learning opportunities for library patrons throughout the books or pages they've read, depending on their the nation, including geographic areas and popula- age. They won't be in either the old or new building, tions currently underserved in STEM education. but prizes will be awarded and maybe some spins on our town's lovely carousel can be arranged at the Some kits are adaptable for children with impaired end of the program. For adults, there will be a One vision and other kits have a Native American/Lakota Book discussion on the book 'Neither Wolf Nor Dog' star knowledge component. The South Dakota in early August. Keeping everyone updated in the State Library also received $5,000 to help duplicate area, through newspaper ads and Facebook, has and fund this initiative. Additionally, The SD been the best way to continue interest in the library Discovery Center received four STEM/SPACE kits and elicit help in transferring of our library building that come with the opportunity to be taught by a contents from one location to the next. Also, to keep scientist via telecommunications. These four kits things interesting, we've hired and are training a are now part of the NASA@MyLibrary sets new library employee. My chant is 'this will all work cataloged and housed at the State Library and are out' and I know that it really will end some day. available for all SD public and school libraries for one-month check-outs.

"NASA@ My Library Earth and Space Science Kits are now available for checkout from the South Dakota State Library!" ~ State Librarian, Daria Bossman.

MPLA Newsletter 20 August 2019—September 2019

Rusty and the River: A Rusty the Ranch

2019 Utah Librarian of the Year Award Wyoming Book to be featured at National Southern Utah University (SUU) Book Festival librarian Caitlin Gerrity was recognized by the Utah Library Horse Tale by Mary Fichtner, illustrated by her Association as the 2019 daughter Roz Fichtner, has been selected for the Librarian of the Year “Discover Great Places Through Reading” list for the award. Gerrity is an assistant National Book Festival. This annual list celebrates professor of library media and the literary the director of the library media heritage of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, program at SUU. According to a press release from and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and will be distributed by SUU, Gerrity’s grant-writing skills, creativity in the Library of Congress’s Center for the Book during designing instructional modules for Library Aide the Festival in Washington, D.C., on August 31. Basics, and organization of summer boot camps for school librarians are a few of the many reasons why Rusty and the River was selected by the Wyoming she has earned this accolade. State Library as part of its Center for the Book program. Each state’s book on the “Discover Great “I am honored and humbled to have my work Places” list may be written by authors from that recognized,” she said in the press release. “I am state, take place in the state, or celebrate the state’s empowered in my work at SUU and in growing culture and heritage. Mary and Roz Fichtner, now in alongside the most collaborative, innovative, and Casper, lived in Cheyenne many years. Mary is a change-making folks in the state.” graduate of the University of Wyoming, and rodeo was her sport from 10 years old through college. Gerrity originally came to work at SUU in 2015 as She is certified in equine-assisted learning to help an instruction librarian. She has written many veterans and families. Her daughter Roz attends successful grants in collaboration with Associate college at the University of Wyoming where she has Dean of the Library Matt Nickerson, which have competed on the rodeo team and is pursuing a resulted in the completion of several projects. More degree in Art Education. Learn more on their recently the SUU library received a grant to create website. https://www.rustytheranchhorse.com/ an open online training for school library aides in Utah, according to the press release.

For the past two years, Gerrity has also organized and coordinated school librarians across Utah to visit the campus for two days of professional learning. SUU has provided many career growth opportunities for Gerrity. In the fall semester, she will serve as an associate director for the Center for Teaching and Learning on campus. She also recently appeared in a podcast with CETL. The award could not have gone to a better librarian.

The Utah Library Association has been in service for more than 100 years. Its mission is to “serve the professional development and educational needs of its members and to provide leadership and direction in developing and improving library and information services in the state.” https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2019/05/23/prc-suu- professor-is-named-utah-librarian-of-the-year/#.XRENbchKiwU

MPLA Newsletter 21 August 2019—September 2019 Name Title Library Name City State Night & Weekend Rebecca F. Adcock Supervisor poria Public Library Emporia KS

Jennifer Cook Branch Manager New Castle Branch Library New Castle CO

Grand County Public Meghan Flynn Head of Adult Services Library Moab UT

Director of Library David Patrick Gray Services Welder Library Bismarck ND

April Hernandez Director Goddard Public Library Goddard KS

Civic Engagement Melissa Horak-Hem Librarian Johnson County Library Overland Park KS

Library Director-Deputy Kathy Husser of Community Services Tempe Public Library Tempe AZ

Grand County Public Carrie Valdes Library Director Library Moab UT

Kirsten L. Walker Librarian Pioneer Library System Oklahoma City OK

MPLA Newsletter 22 August 2019—September 2019 The Association for Rural and Small Libraries September 4-7; Burlington, Vermont

Colorado Association of Libraries September 19 - 21; Loveland, CO

South Dakota Library Association September 25-27; Spearfish, SD

North Dakota Library Association September 25-27; West Fargo, ND

Wyoming Library Association August 8-9; Cheyenne, WY

Nebraska Library Association October 2-4; La Vista, Nebraska (Joint conference with )

Kansas Library Association October 22-25; Overland, KS

MPLA /New Mexico Association October 30– Nov 1; Albuquerque, NM Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town http://www.hotelabq.com/

Nevada Library Association November 2-4; Reno, NV

Arizona Library Association November 6-8; Tucson, AZ

Conference not listed? Share it with us at [email protected]

MPLA Newsletter 23 August 2019—September 2019

President Newsletter Editor Bylaws and Procedures Leslie H. Langley Melanie Argo Frances Brummett Southeastern Public Library System, Madison Public Library Salt Lake City Public Library Wister Public Library Madison, SD Salt Lake City, UT Wister, OK [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Leadership Institute Coordinator Communications Vice-President/President Elect Aubrey Madler Cyndi Landis Stephen Sweeney Byrnes-Quanbeck Library Fort Hays State University St. John Vianney Seminary Mayville, North Dakota Hays, KS Cardinal Stafford Library [email protected] [email protected] Denver, CO [email protected] Webmaster Leadership Institute Roy Degler Tom Taylor Past President / Administration Oklahoma State University Andover Library Mickey Coalwell Stillwater, OK Andover, KS Mid-America Library Alliance [email protected] [email protected] Independence, MO [email protected] MPLA Archives Membership Abby Hoverstock Mary Ann Thompson Recording Secretary Denver Public Library, Kansas Brenda Hemmelman Western History and Genealogy [email protected] South Dakota State Library Denver, SD Pierre, SD [email protected] Professional Development [email protected] Robin Newell Awards Emporia Public Library Executive Secretary Diane Weaver Emporia, KS Judy Zelenski Basehor Community Library [email protected] Lakewood, Colorado Basehor, KS [email protected] [email protected]

Nominating Eileen Wright Montana State University Billings Library [email protected]

Looking for another way to support MPLA? Just visit Amazon Smile, select the Mountain Plains Library Association, and automatically donate .5% of the purchase price of eligible goods to MPLA.

MPLA Newsletter 24 August 2019—September 2019

Arizona Nebraska Oklahoma Amadee Ricketts Evonne Edgington April Miller Cochise County Library Omaha Public Library -Millard Branch Southwestern Oklahoma State Bixbee, AZ Omaha, NE University [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Colorado Nevada South Dakota Elena Rosenfeld Luise Davis Nita Gill High Plains Library District Douglas County Public Library Brookings Public Library Greeley, CO Minden, NV Brookings, SD [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Kansas New Mexico Utah Shanna Smith Bradley Carrington Joe Fraizer Mulvane Public Library New Mexico State Library Summit County Library Mulvane, KS Santa Fe, NM Park City, UT [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Montana North Dakota Wyoming Rachel M. Rawn Paulette Nelson Cindy Moore Havre-Hill County Library Minot Public Library Converse County Library System Havre, MT Minot, ND Douglas, WY [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

MPLA Newsletter 25 August 2019—September 2019

The MPLA Newsletter is

published bimonthly online by the Mountain Plains Library Association:

http://mpla.us/documents/ newsletter/index.html The Mountain Plains Library Association (MPLA) is a twelve state association of librarians, library paraprofessionals and ISSN 0145-6180 friends of libraries in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Editor: Melanie Argo, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. Its purpose is to Madison Public Library promote the development of librarians and libraries by providing significant educational and networking Copy deadlines for articles, opportunities. news, and advertisements:

Quick Links: • January 1 • March 1 Website: www.mpla.us • May 1 • July 1 Executive Board– Officers, State Representatives and Staff: • September 1 www.mpla.us/personnel/executiveboard.html • November 1

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Grocery Card Program: www.mpla.us/projects/grocerycard.html MPLA Membership: Send Newsletter Information: For matters pertaining to individual www.mpla.us/forms/newssubmission.html or institutional memberships and address changes, contact: Donate to MPLA: http://www.mpla.us/forms/lidonation.html Judy Zelenski Professional Forum information: Executive Secretary www.mpla.us/events/mplaprof2014.pdf 14293 West Center Drive Lakewood, Colorado 80228 MPLA on Facebook: (303) 985-7795 https://www.facebook.com/MountainPlainsLibraryAssociation/ [email protected]